The Chinese manufacturer SwitchBot offers a revised and improved version of its connected lock. Well thought out and affordable, the Lock Pro however suffers from too much need for options to integrate smoothly into home automation.
In the family of connected locks, here is the Lock Pro, the latest from the Chinese SwitchBot. Given its name Pro, we understand that it is an improved version of the previous model (the “Short” Lock), particularly in terms of design, now much closer to that of the Nuki lock (read our test ). The Lock Pro therefore abandons the complicated shape of the previous version to adopt a more classic parallelepiped shape, which does not prevent it from adapting to a very large number of locks equipped with a European cylinder. We were able to set it up and use it for several days. Here is our verdict.
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SwitchBot Lock Pro: a practical design
While the SwitchBot Lock could only be attached to the door with a self-adhesive strip, the Lock Pro adopts the same system as Nuki which allows the box to attach to the portion of the standard European cylinder lock which protrudes from the door . That said, the Lock Pro always comes with a sticker panel if the cylinder does not protrude far enough. And rest assured, the 3M self-adhesive plate securely attaches the lock to the door without the risk of falling. The only drawback is that it is more difficult to uninstall a stuck lock than a stuck lock to fit another door.
In terms of design, we also appreciate the magnetic panel which provides very easy access to the batteries. The Lock Pro comes with 4 AA batteries which are supposed to provide, according to the manufacturer, a battery life of 6 to 9 months. Let’s just say that after a few weeks of testing, the gauge still indicates 100% battery charge. Remember that it is not recommended to use rechargeable batteries for a connected lock of this type, because they only deliver a voltage of 1.2 V, compared to 1.5 for classic alkaline batteries, which can cause either a malfunction or premature wear of the batteries and therefore drastically reduce autonomy. To overcome this problem, SwitchBot will soon offer a very clever rechargeable battery pack as an option: it is divided into two independent parts allowing one half to be recharged while leaving the other in the lock and therefore to always have a functional lock . Too bad, we don’t yet know the date or the price of this optional pack.
SwitchBot Lock Pro: simple installation but not always in French
As mentioned above, installing the SwitchBot Lock Pro does not pose any particular problem. We first choose the right support, the one that sticks or the one that grips the lock using three small triangle screws if the cylinder protrudes sufficiently from the door. We then hang the motorized lock on the support, taking care to leave a key in the lock: it is the motor which will then be responsible for turning it to lock or unlock the door. It’s a shame that the small screws on the side of the motor, which allow it to be securely attached, are very impractical. Fortunately, once the lock is in place, we can forget about them. The large wheel, which allows you to turn the lock by hand if desired, is also equipped with a large button which you simply press to lock or unlock with the motor.
Nothing prevents you from also using another key from the outside if necessary, provided that the cylinder is disengageable, that is to say that it allows the insertion of a second key from the other side. We appreciate that the Lock Pro is also compatible with locks that have a button inside, rather than a keyhole into which you insert a key. In reality, the Lock Pro adapts to almost all locks, even old ones. You can easily check this before purchasing thanks to the page of compatibility test available on the SwitchBot website. And this is where we encounter a recurring problem with SwitchBot, both on the site and in the smartphone application: we too often come across information in English. In the case of the site, we can clearly see that the French version offered is provided by an automatic translator which at best makes you smile and at worst sometimes makes understanding difficult. Damage.
SwitchBot Lock Pro: a complete and sometimes confusing application
Once the Lock Pro is securely in place on the door, all you have to do is install the SwitchBot application on your smartphone to manage all of its functions. In the case of the Lock Pro, it will be used to calibrate the lock so that the motor rotates sufficiently to double-lock the door or not depending on the barrel installed. The manufacturer has chosen to centralize the management of all the devices in its range within a single application bearing its name. And the range has greatly expanded since the first automatic push button in 2015: robot vacuum cleaner (read our test), automatic curtain opener, Venetian blinds automation, connected electrical switches and sockets, LED lamps and strips, motion detector or water leak, camera, etc. The unique application is actually very practical if you choose to only use the brand’s products since it also allows you to create automations to be notified, for example, of the unlocking of the door or to automatically turn on a lamp when the we open the door. That said, that’s not the point of the story: even with a very wide range, you don’t necessarily find what you’re looking for from a single connected object manufacturer. And it is in particular to respond to this problem that the Matter standard was created, which makes it possible to make connected objects from different brands compatible with each other.
SwitchBot Lock Pro: no Wi-Fi and optional Matter
SwitchBot has chosen not to integrate the Matter protocol directly into the lock and that’s a shame. Especially since the lock is also not capable of connecting to the home Wi-Fi network. In other words, the Lock Pro is above all a Bluetooth lock, which limits its use somewhat. For example, it is impossible to ask it to unlock automatically when you arrive near your home, which the Nuki lock allows you to do.
To connect the Lock Pro to the home network, you must therefore purchase an optional relay bridge which increases the price and complicates use a little if you want to integrate the lock into a standard environment like that of Apple via its Home application . SwitchBot offers two versions of relays. The Hub 2 costs 80 euros and includes a screen allowing you to display the temperature and humidity of the room in which it is located via its integrated detector. Simpler and cheaper (35 euros), the Hub mini will allow the Lock Pro, like other SwitchBot devices, to join the Matter network at home. Once the Hub is connected to the mains via a simple USB-C cable provided, you must add it to the list of devices in the application.
Once this is done, you still need to connect the lock to the Hub via the application so that it then appears in the list of connected objects that can be controlled via the Matter application in its environment such as Google Home or Apple Home. This is where SwitchBot loses us a bit. Not only is the number of steps to be carried out quite high, but the instructions in the application are not always very clear: for example, you have to choose the function of adding secondary devices to make the link between the Lock Pro and Matter the environment of the house. Translation issue ? Maybe. Especially since messages in English sometimes sprinkle the interface both during installation and during use. We have had several times, for example, a problem with the lock stuck and the message that appears says “ Lock jammed “.
We can also wonder whether the passage via a relay bridge is not responsible for the few reliability problems of the automations that we have implemented via the Apple Home application. It has sometimes happened that the lamp which is supposed to come on when unlocking and go off when locking does not react, goes out too early or does not go out at all when locked.
SwitchBot Lock Pro: insufficient opening detector
Among the very practical options of the Lock Pro, the automatic locking allows you to leave your home by slamming the door, knowing that a few seconds or minutes later, depending on what you have chosen, the door to your home will be securely locked. Even more convenient, the SwitchBot motorized lock comes with a door opening sensor to prevent automatic locking if the door has been left open or ajar. Unfortunately, this detector, which is in reality just a simple magnet to stick on the stationary door jamb, just in front of the lock, is not suitable for all situations. In our case for example, the distance between the lock and the upright was too great and the magnet was not detected. We therefore had to “tinker” with a small cardboard support to stick on the upright to bring the magnet closer to the lock. You can also purchase an optional contact detector for an additional 30 euros.
SwitchBot Lock Pro: almost mandatory options
This is ultimately a recurring theme with the Lock Pro: at 140 euros, the SwitchBot motorized lock has undeniable advantages over its competitors like Yale or Nuki. But it also needs more options to integrate with home automation, which ultimately makes its price equivalent to the basic version of the Nuki for example. And the latter offers an application that is simpler to use and also more complete in terms of functions specifically linked to managing the door of your home, for example in terms of sharing access with guests or service providers to whom you wish to give access. at your home for a given period or occasionally every week.
You can add this type of function to the SwitchBot Lock Pro via yet another option, a digital keyboard for 50 euros, which can be attached to the wall or door, on the exterior side. You can then return home by entering a code that you have chosen. For 100 euros, you can also prefer the version of the keyboard also equipped with a fingerprint reader. In both cases, you can create a code and/or record the fingerprints of the occupants of the house, but also create a code and record temporary fingerprints for people passing through.
In other words, if you are looking for a Bluetooth-only motorized lock, the Lock Pro from SwitchBot does the job perfectly, especially since you can add numerous options as needed. But if you are looking for a more complete and possibly simpler to use connected lock, you should take a look at the competition.